The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is nearly here, and this year's field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. On Saturday, May 16, 14 horses will charge down the stretch at Laurel Park in Maryland for the second leg of the Triple Crown, with post time set for approximately 6:50 p.m. ET.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes odds are tight at the top, with five contenders clustered between 9-2 and 6-1. Leading the pack is Iron Honor at 9-2, followed closely by Taj Mahal, Chip Honcho, and Incredibolt—all at 5-1—and Ocelli at 6-1. Right behind them are Napoleon Solo (8-1), along with Great White, Pretty Boy Miah, and The Hell We Did, each listed at 15-1. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be competing, leaving the door wide open for a new star to emerge.
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When it comes to expert analysis, few names carry as much weight as Gene Menez. A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated, Menez spent nearly 14 years covering horse racing and other sports for the magazine. His track record speaks for itself: he correctly predicted Super Saver to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby, nailed the 2015 Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund, and Frosted) for a $1,268.20 payout on a $2 bet, and hit a Pick 4 worth nearly $6,900 in 2017. More recently, he identified 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan as a live contender in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and hammered the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout last year.
For the 2026 Preakness Stakes, Menez has carefully handicapped the full field and is making some bold calls. One of his most surprising picks? He is fading the favorite, Iron Honor. Despite being the 9-2 morning-line favorite, Iron Honor is coming off a disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2026 Wood Memorial. The colt had opened his career with back-to-back wins at Aqueduct Racetrack in December and January, but his recent performance raises questions about his readiness for the Triple Crown spotlight.
Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking to add some excitement to race day, the 2026 Preakness Stakes promises plenty of drama. Check out Gene Menez's full predictions and best bets to see which horses he believes will cross the wire first.